Patrick Lawless Explained

Patrick Lawless
Ambassador From:Australian
Country:Brazil
Term Start:12 February 2014
Term End:February 2016
Predecessor:Brett Hackett
Successor:John Richardson
Ambassador From2:Australian
Country2:Portugal
Term Start2:2009
Term End2:2013
Ambassador From3:Australian
Country3:Poland
Term Start3:2002
Term End3:2005
Predecessor3:Margaret Adamson
Successor3:Ian Forsyth
Nationality:Australian
Alma Mater:University of New South Wales
London School of Economics
Occupation:Senior career officer with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Profession:Diplomat

Patrick Colin Lawless is an Australian diplomat and senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).[1] [2]

Lawless served as the Australian Ambassador to Brazil, from 12 February 2014[3] [4] until February 2016. Lawless previously served as Australia's Ambassador to Portugal (2009–2013) and to Poland (2002–2005).

Early life and education

Lawless can trace his family heritage to the First Fleet landing in Botany Bay in 1788.[5]

Lawless speaks Portuguese and graduated from the University of New South Wales and London School of Economics. Prior to working for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lawless practiced law in Sydney and worked for the Aboriginal Land Commissioner in Darwin.[6]

Career

Lawless began his career with the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1985 as held a number of positions with the Department throughout his career including three ambassadorships. Lawless worked as the speechwriter for the Foreign Minister and Trade Minister from 1992 and 1993 and then as an adviser in the Trade Minister's office in 1993.[7] By 1998 Lawless began serving in senior Department positions beginning with the Director of the Staffing Operations Section in DFAT's Staffing Branch.[8] His first ambassadorial appointment to Poland was announced by the Minister Alexander Downer on 30 May 2002 replacing Margaret Adamson. Lawless's replacement Ian Forsyth was announced in April 2005 and he completed his post in Poland in June 2005.[9] Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to Poland he served as the head of the Trade Development Branch and Trade and Economic Analysis Branch, the Deputy Head of Mission in South Africa and Russia and a diplomatic posting in France[7]

Lawless was announced as the Ambassador to Portugal with non-resident accreditation to Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Sao Tome and Principe on 24 August 2009 by Minister Stephen Smith, he replaced Luke Williams.[10] [11] [12] He was replaced by Anne Plunkett in May 2012. After 2012 Lawless served as the head of DFAT's Resources, Competitiveness and Trade Analysis Branch.[13] [14]

Lawless was appointed the Ambassador to Brazil on 12 February 2014 by Minister Julie Bishop replacing Brett Hackett.[13] While Ambassador to Brazil, Lawless, along with Austrade, was involved in organising and facilitating Australian involvement in the Brazilian Association of Water Resources Symposium which allowed for water management experts from Australia to train Brazilian stakeholders.[15] He also met the Socceroos when they landed in Curitiba prior to their third World Cup game.[16]

In January 2016, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced that Lawless would be replaced by John Richardson in February.[17]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bilateral political relations . . 2012 . Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Canberra. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland . 7 August 2014.
  2. Web site: Ambassador to Brazil . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . Australian Government . 7 August 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140421230414/http://www.dfat.gov.au/homs/br.html . 21 April 2014 . dead .
  3. News: Wagner . Beatriz . 16 February 2014 . Patrick Lawless is the new Ambassador of Australia in Brazil . SBS . SBS Audio and Language . 7 August 2014.
  4. Ambassador to Brazil . Bishop, Julie . Julie Bishop . Canberra, Australia . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . 12 February 2014 . 7 August 2014.
  5. Web site: Interview with Australian Ambassador, Mr. Patrick Lawless . . 2003 . The World of English . 7 August 2014.
  6. Web site: Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Poland - Media Releases from the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 9 February 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20150225110434/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2002/fa085_02.html. 25 February 2015. dead.
  7. Web site: Diplomatic Appointment - Ambassador to Portugal. 9 February 2016.
  8. Web site: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee Hansard. Parliament of Australia. 9 February 2016. Canberra. 10 June 1998.
  9. Web site: Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Poland. 9 February 2016.
  10. Web site: About us. Australian Embassy Brazil. 9 February 2016.
  11. Web site: Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Portugal. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 9 February 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20140131161249/http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2012/bc_mr_120529.html. 31 January 2014. dead.
  12. News: Dodd . Mark . 24 August 2009 . Peter Tesch appointed to fill vacant post of German ambassador . . 16 February 2016.
  13. News: Senior Appointments. . 18 February 2014. Independent News For The Australian Public Service. 397. 9 February 2016.
  14. Web site: International education support and collaboration (Hansard) . . May 2013 . . . . 16 February 2016. PDF.
  15. Web site: Bringing Australian water expertise to Brazil . . 14 December 2015 . . 16 February 2016.
  16. News: Smithies . Tom . 29 May 2014 . A helicopter escort and police band greets Socceroos after 22-hour journey to Brazil . . . 16 February 2016 .
  17. Ambassador to Brazil . 14 January 2016 . 27 November 2022 . . Bishop, Julie . Julie Bishop .